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Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler named Lt. Alan Crump as interim police chief Friday. Crump will serve in the position for at least 90 days while the search begins for a permanent replacement for outgoing Chief Willie Shaw.

“It is truly an honor and I am humbled by her trust and confidence in my ability to continue the exceptional work of Chief Shaw in leading our outstanding law enforcement agency,” Crump said after an introduction by Tyler.

Crump spoke at a Friday morning press conference to members of the media. Along with Tyler and Shaw, he fielded questions about the process of selecting a permanent chief as well as the general state of crime fighting in the city, state and around the country.

In an effort to preserve the confidence of citizens and visitors to the Shreveport community, Crump said he will strive to maintain a high level of public safety, professionalism and transparency.

Crump, who has 24 years experience in law enforcement, plans to work toward building stronger relationships between police and citizens. During his time with Shreveport Police Department, Crump has served in uniformed services, worked as a school response officer and served as a DARE instructor in the youth services bureau. He also has supervised the community response unit as part of the community-oriented policing bureau.

In addition to more than two decades with SPD, Crump has served in the U.S. Army Reserve and on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He holds multiple degrees in criminal justice and theology.

Crump said his philosophy is one of placing others first and empowering supervisors to build strong, collaborative partnerships.

“In order to ensure a smooth transition, Lt. Crump will be working side-by-side with Chief Shaw for the next week,” Tyler said.

Chief Willie Shaw, along with Deputy Chief Duane Huddleston, will retire at the end of the month. With a combined 60 years of experience, the two will finish their last day on July 31.

“There’s no good way to say goodbye, but let me say it… goodbye,” Shaw jokingly began his comments Friday morning.

In a speech peppered with wry, tongue-in-cheek humor and a positive outlook on the future of SPD and the city, Shaw thanked the community and his co-workers for more than 26 years serving the people of the community.

“I basically grew up at the Shreveport Police Department,” said Shaw, who believes Tyler made an excellent decision in selecting Crump as his temporary replacement when his retirement begins in just over a week.

“I applaud her appointment and I think it’s the right appointment at this time,” Shaw said.

Citing Crump as a man with the right temperament and the wherewithal to deal with the general state of law enforcement in 2016, Shaw called his interim replacement calm, rational, caring and non-reactionary – a man who thinks things all the way through.

As far as Shaw’s outlook on life after a busy 26 years with SPD, he seemed excited for the future that lays ahead.

“I plan on retiring and doing absolutely nothing,” Shaw quipped with a smile.

As for a permanent replacement, Tyler said the process of selecting someone has only just begun. If the timeline takes more than 90 days, Tyler said she will reserve the option of continuing Crump’s interim position for however long the process takes.

When asked if Crump is a potential candidate, Tyler said she hopes he will apply. However, Crump said that he is so focused on the task at hand that he hasn’t yet given it any thought.

“Anybody who does apply and qualifies, we’re going to look at very carefully,” Tyler said.

A national search will help the selection, during which each applicant will be carefully reviewed in an effort to ensure the best candidate will be hired to lead Shreveport’s police force.